Rules

The Game

Broome Beach Volleyball is a game played by two teams on an outdoor sand covered volleyball court.
The ball may be hit with any part of the body, but each side is limited to three consecutive hits, and no player is allowed to make two consecutive contacts. The only exception to this is when a player attempts a block – this is not considered a play at the ball and therefore the player can still be the next player to touch the ball still.

Teams score on every point played (Rally point) unless a “replay” is called.

A replay may be called by the umpire if there is an obstruction on court (ie another ball on court), or if they’re unsure of the correct call to be made due to limited sight of the ball. This may also be when the umpire is confused on the rules – Do not get angry with the umpire if this happens. We’re all amateur volunteers.

Games will start at the time allotted by the fixtures and will consist of 3 x 25 point sets played over the course 60 minutes.

Sets will be played until one team has reached 25 points and is 2 points ahead of the other team. Eg. 25 points to 23
The set will be continued to be played after 25 points if there is not a difference of 2 points between the two teams.
Where a team is not ready to play at the time the game is due to start they will have 10 minutes before they forfeit the first set and a further 5 before they forfeit the game.
In the event a game runs over the allotted time whichever team is two points ahead when time runs out shall be declared the winner of that set regardless of the score.

Officials

The game is controlled by an umpire who scores and keeps the time – As in any sport, there are close calls where players will disagree, but the umpire’s decision is always final. Any arguing with or abuse directed at an umpire may result in a point reduction, followed by a send off. (See Code of Conduct for clarification).

Teams are required to supply an umpire as per the fixtures. Failure to supply an umpire will result in a penalty of 1 game win and 3 set wins.

The Team

A team consists of six players on court (with a minimum of 4) and always MUST include at least 1 female.

Substitutions are only allowed in between points and not during play.

Players must rotate clockwise. Team rotation must be maintained throughout the game. Teams must rotate when they win the serve from the other team

B Grade Social teams are not required to have an A grade registered player at all, but may include a maximum of 3 A grade registered players.

Serving and Positions

The ball must be served behind the backline of the court.

The ball may be served under arm or over arm, but must leave the hand clearly before the serving hand contacts the ball.

If the ball contacts with the net whilst being served and goes over, the ball is still considered live.

The ball must not make contact with any other object or person before going over the net on the service.

The ball must not be blocked or spiked by the receiving team on the service.

All players must serve. Players are to rotate clockwise on winning control of the serve.

Ball and Net Abuse

Any aggressive kicking of the ball may result in a deduction of two points at the umpire’s discretion. Players unnecessarily abusing the nets may be sent off. Refer Code of Conduct.

Nets

Any contact with the centre net by a player whilst the ball is in play, will result in a foul. The offending person or team is encouraged to “own up” when they know they have offended. If the ball hits the net and pushes it from its standard position into a player, it is not considered a net touch. If the touch is incidental and not involved in the direct play (or attempted play) or block of the ball (and doesn’t affect the outcome of the point), it will not be considered a net touch.

General Play

Any contact with the centre net by a player whilst the ball is in play, will result in a foul. A block at the centre net is not included as part of the three hits. The blocking player is entitled to play at the ball again on the consecutive shot. Two hands must be used at the net for a contact to be called a block.

Any player may not reach over the net to attack the ball.

If the umpire deems a player has reached over the net in an attacking play, the play will be called a foul.

MVP points

Each week, the umpire will select the best Male and best Female player from each game to go toward the end of season MVP. Players will only be eligible for accruing MVP points while playing for their registered team, and not while filling in on other teams.

Fouls

The point / serve is lost when:

The ball touches the ground.
Team plays the ball more than three times in succession.
A player touches the ball twice consecutively (except on a block).
A player touches the centre net.
A player blocks or spikes the ball back over the net off the serve.
The ball does not pass over the net on the serve.
The umpire calls a carry. A carry is generally any open palmed “scoop” of the ball where it is not a clean hit.
A player interferes with an opposition team member either intentionally or accidentally.
A player intimidates an opponent or abuses another player. (Refer Code of Conduct)
The serve is made from outside the serving area.
A player aggressively kicks the ball.
A player attacking reaches over the net. (NB. A blocking player may reach over the net to block provided they use two hands, do not touch the net or interfere with another player)
A player abuses the umpire.
Blood rule – Any player that is bleeding must come off immediately.